Using Natural Cleaning Products

As we all know, toxic chemicals are found everywhere, including the least expected places. Common cleaning products contain ammonia that can burn as well as bleach that can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Now why would anyone want to use these products and take these risks? There are organic cleaning products out there but why not think of making your own and have the added benefit of saving money? Most retailers offer the organic products that are safe and the poison control number is on the label. The National Poisons Information Service in Britain recommends keeping all cleaning products as securely locked up as the alcohol.

It is a constant thing that you have to work at in reducing exposure to toxins. The consequences can be dire. Exposure to certain chemicals may aggravate respiratory reactions. It is of great importance to remove toxic garbage, especially when pregnant women or young children are involved. Studies have been launched into examining the effect of cleaning products in hospitals on their staff, that are constantly exposed, and a possible relation to asthma has been discussed. Green living methods should be adopted in your home. Chemicals as Triclosan are included in at-home cleaning and hygiene products and have been fingered for other problems, such as increased incidence of asthma. Products may be introduced as safe and later recalled as unsafe. Isn’t that a surprise?

One solution might be to make your own cleaning products that are more gentle and powerful without the chemicals or toxic fumes. Some of these products you might add to your arsenal are as follows:

• Vinegar is effective at dissolving grease and makes a great surface cleaner in the kitchen and bathroom because of its acidic nature and antibacterial effect. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with water in a bucket or spray bottle and use for cleaning windows and mirrors to toilets and floors.
• Use baking soda to deodorize as well as use the abrasive quality better than toxic, powdered cleaners. Add salt for an abrasion.
• Lemon juice kills mold, cuts through grease and leaves a streak-free shine. Combine lemon juice with vinegar or olive oil to make a compound-cleaning product.
• Try hydrogen peroxide that has a bubbling action with hard-to-clean surfaces. Fill a spray bottle with a hydrogen peroxide and water mixture. Keep it near!
• Wood polishes great with olive oil and lemon juice as it moisturizes and provides a great shine and fresh scent. Blend 1 cup of olive oil and ½ cup of lemon juice in a spray bottle.

Here are a couple of recipes for some powerful cleaners.

• Cousin Jason’s Great Glass Cleaner. Add ½ cup distilled vinegar to spray bottle and fill with distilled water. Gently shake and spray on mirrors and windows. Polish with a crumpled newspaper. This works great!!
• Beatnik Ted’s Doubly Amazing All-Purpose Cleaner. Add 2 Tbl. Distilled vinegar and 1 tsp. liquid castile soap to a spray bottle. Add 2 Tbl. Of baking soda. After foaming ceases, add 2 cups warm water. Use on counters, kitchen and bathrooms.
• Captain Rusty’s Potent and Powerful Surface Scrub. Mix 1 cup baking soda and ¼ cup liquid castile soap. Add 5 tsp. of vegetable glycerin and 5-10 drops tea tree oil. Scrub with microfiber cloth on sinks and bathroom surfaces.

Wouldn’t this make more sense than using those toxic supplies? Be sure to clearly label your homemade supplies and only mix one month at a time. Do not reuse containers from commercial cleaners. Add cleansing essential oils as lavender, tea tree oil or rosemary for scent. Have fun and be creative!

–Dr Fredda Branyon